Garnier Moisture Match Protect & Glow Moisturiser

I probably would never have purchased this had I not ordered a sample online, but I'm so glad I did! I was using the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit moisturiser but I was looking to try out something new as I started using Neutrogena when I ran out of my Biore Shine Control moisturiser and realised that you can't get it anymore! I'd been using it for years (again, after receiving a sample) and loved it so was really disappointed to see them discontinue it when they re-branded their range. I like a moisturiser to be oil-free, light and refreshing to apply in the morning and wasn't expecting to like the Garnier Moisture Match after past experiences with their moisturisers. I received 3 samples and was originally interested in the Shine Be Gone (green) formula for combination/oily skin as I sometimes get an oily t-zone, however after trying the sachet I was put off by the alcohol content which doesn't smell great (similar to the Garnier Oil Free BB Cream) and tends to dry out my cheeks where my skin is less oily. What made me try the Protect & Glow sachet (for normal skin)  was taking my make up off after spending the weekend enjoying the sunshine to find my face quite red and sore. I hadn't realised that the sun was that strong as it wasn't very warm but it prompted me to look for a moisturiser with SPF which is when I remembered the Garnier samples sitting in my drawer! I whipped out the Protect & Glow sachet with SPF20 and gave it a go when my skin had calmed down.

The colour of the moisturiser seems to match the colour of each tube which I think is quite a cute idea! So this was a pastel yellow colour and a light, almost runny, lotion texture- a small amount goes a long way! The scent isn't amazing in my opinion but it's pleasant, not too strong and the overall application was nice and refreshing! I didn't have to wait long until the moisturiser had sunk in and my skin was ready for make up. This provides a pretty good base for make up application, not the best but definitely acceptable and it lasted pretty well all day.

Protect & Glow also contains 'light reflecting pearls' and I genuinely think this makes my skin look brighter, which is great! I do have a sample of the Wake Me Up (orange) formula still to try which is a gel formula for dull skin  and is described as an 'immediate splash of freshness' so I'm looking forward to trying that too and will let you know how I get on. I have already purchased the Protect & Glow as I think it's great value for money at £5.99 a tube,  especially as it contains SPF (it's a shame they don't all have SPF!) and does such a lovely job!

The samples are available to order free from here so I'd recommend you try some out and see what you think! Plus if you send Garnier your feedback before then end of May, you'll be entered into a competition to win a years magazine subscription, bonus!

Face Mask Friday! #6

Happy Friday guys! I've been planning the series and have enough face masks to get to week 10, then I think we will take a break as I have a few pots of masks to use up before I buy anymore.

This week we have the Montagne Jeunesse Red Hot Earth Anti-Stress Sauna Masque for normal, oily and t-zone skin. This has been a favourite of mine for quite a few years and was one of the first face masks I ever tried. With self-heating therapy clay this mask claims to open and cleanse pores whilst the aromatherapy oils help you to relax and de-stress. 

This mask is messy to apply as it's quite runny and sticky so be warned! It comes out a lovely pink, strawberry milkshake kinda colour (not the deep pink/red depicted on the sachet!) and smells nice and fruity. You start to feel the mask heating up as soon as it makes contact with the skin so I always try to get it on as quickly as possible so that I get the full effect. I personally love the self-heating masks as they're perfect for a cosy evening in and as I've mentioned before, they always remind me of the sun beating down on my face. 

Whilst wearing this mask, it's best to lie down and relax as it can get a little drippy if you're up and about and tie your hair well back or else it will drive you mad getting stuck in your face (I learnt the hard way, haha!). It's better to lie down an enjoy this mask anyway as I think it feels very pampering and luxurious to wear- another reason why I love it so much! The sachet says to leave the mask on for 5 minutes but I got away with 10 before it started dripping off my face as this mask is one that doesn't dry. It's very quick and easy to wash off compared with other masks, I used a Botanics facial sponge but a cloth or flannel will work just as well. 

As always with MJ masks, my skin was left feeling super clean and soft and looked much brighter and clearer, even the next morning. Due to the anti-stress nature of this mask I also felt very relaxed and consequently I fell asleep quicker and slept well, a welcome benefit that you don't often find with a face mask! The MJ Sauna Masque remains a firm favourite of mine which I will continue to purchase again and again.

Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer

I was sent this primer a while ago, just before it was released, to test and at first I wasn't sure about it. It wasn't that I disliked it but I just couldn't see when I would use it as I always  moisturise before applying my make up and wouldn't put this on top of moisturiser as that would just feel too much for my skin. However, now I sometimes use this as an alternative to my moisturiser and have to admit that it provides a better base for applying my make up. I'm gradually finding that the more I use it, the more I want to use it so it's quickly becoming a part of my daily routine.

I really like the texture of this, it's light and absorbs into my skin quickly leaving a very soft and smooth base. It's very different from the silicone based primers, much nicer to use, so if you don't like those then definitely try this! The box says that it's for 'normal and combination skin' types which I fall into as I have pretty normal skin but my t-zone can become slightly oily and I go through stages of dryness too, this primer works well whatever my skin is doing so I'd guess that it's suitable for most skin types, although Nivea also do this in a 'dry and sensitive skin' version. 

The product is slightly fragranced with a nice, fresh scent, another reason why I sometimes reach for this over my moisturiser in the mornings as it feels so refreshing on my face. As mentioned this provides a good, smooth base for applying make up and helps to keep my make up looking good all day whilst keeping my skin feeling hydrated, bonus!

Face Mask Friday! #5

Happy Friday! Sorry this post is up later than usual, I was finishing my last two assignments of 2nd year so I will now have (hopefully!) much more time for blogging! 

We're back to Montagne Jeunesse this week with the Tropical Peel Off Revitalising Cleansing Masque, our first peel off in the series! With red grape and mango extracts, this mask claims to deep cleanse the pores, lifting away impurities and dead skin cells to leave skin revitalised and glowing, sounds great to me!

The mask comes out like a clear, orange gel and smells really fresh and fruity. I slathered on a thick layer of this which wasn't the best idea as it didn't dry all the way through in some places which made removal more difficult, therefore I would recommend just using a thin layer. 

I left the mask on for the recommended 15-20 minutes and found it very refreshing to wear and I didn't get that slightly annoying restrictive feeling that you get with hardening clay masks. As mentioned, when it came to removal of the mask I wasn't able to peel all of it off as some areas were still wet as they were too thick but the parts that were peel-able (not a real word but it works!) came off easily and were very satisfying (anyone else used to put PVA glue on your hand to take pleasure in peeling off?!)! The thicker, wetter patches I just washed off using warm water, which was also pretty easy but the formula did feel a bit sticky by then.

After the mask was completely removed my face was left feeling revitalised and refreshed, as promised and felt smoother. I really enjoyed using this mask and think it will become a particular favourite during the warmer months due to it's cooling a refreshing qualities.

Face Mask Friday! #4

Happy Friday!

After 3 weeks of MJ masks, I decided to go with something different this week. Here we have the French Kiss Clay Mask from Bomb Cosmetics, made from purifying kaolin clay and rejuvenating geranium and rosemary essentials oils.

The first thing I noticed about this mask as I opened the tub was the smell. Due to the geranium and rosemary essential oils the scent is very floral and honestly not my cup of tea! However the mask did look appealing, a light, dusky pink and very clay like. 

Putting this on to my skin, the mask felt more watery than I had expected it to be but after adding a second layer I felt suitably covered without feeling caked in it. It was a lovely smooth texture and I liked the fact that it wasn't as thick as other masks. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the scent didn't put me off using the mask as I barely noticed it once on. Initially I didn't think that the mask would harden but it did slightly and felt very refreshing to wear.The tub recommends leaving the mask on for a minimum of 5 minutes so I left mine on for around 20 minutes, until it started to flake. Once I had rinsed the mask off my skin was left feeling refreshed, cleansed and very soft. My make up seemed to go on easier afterwards and I think my skin actually did look more radiant (it's so hard to tell on yourself!). 

Overall, I would definitely recommend this mask as a refreshing treat, I used it in the morning which was probably the best time for me as I felt more awake all day. The tub I have is 110ml and after one use I think there would be enough for about 10 applications, making the tub great value for money too.

I ♥ Spring Tag!

First of all, thank you to Miss Budget Beauty for listing the questions! I've enjoyed watching and reading my favourite bloggers and YouTubers versions of this tag so decided to give it a go myself!

1. Favourite spring nail polish?

This has to be Jade Stone by Models Own, it's lovely pastel green and was the first nail polish I reached for at the first hint of spring! This shade of green is a favourite of mine and my bedroom is a similar colour so I am slightly biased but I find it both relaxing and uplifting at the same time. Rather appropriately (and by coincidence!) I have on my nails here Jade Stone with Snowflake on my ring finger nail, this picture was taken last Thursday while the sun was shining and before the snow hit us!

2. Must have spring lip colour?

I'm not very confident wearing lip colour so I usually stick with a safe option like the Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait. However, I have recently purchased something rather more daring for me, the Bourjois Rouge Edition lipstick in shade 17 Rose Millesime. This is a lovely raspberry pink which is still very wearable, although it doesn't go with every outfit like my Peach Parfait Lip Butter does, it's still pretty versatile and is nice to have a change sometimes.  I have also purchased the Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya, a new shade for spring/summer and love it! (as well as a couple of Rimmel Apocalips but I'll do a separate blog post on those!).

3. Show us your favourite spring dress!

Sadly, I don't really have a spring dress so I decided to show you this top instead which is probably the most springy item of clothing I have. Once again it's my favourite shade of green, but also has splashes of purple, pinks and yellows. The design is so pretty with flowers, butterflies and dragonflies, which is what makes it a lovely top to wear in spring. I bought this from Dorothy Perkins last year and have worn it loads, it's lovely soft cotton, really comfy and very flattering.

4. Favourite flower

For me, daffodils epitomise spring, my dad loves them and has always filled the house and garden with them during the spring months. However, I can't resist a daisy so I'll go with that! I love sitting out in the sun reading a book or making daisy chains. I love their simplicity and think they look so cute in the grass and love it when they have those little purple bits on! Here are some pictures I took a few years ago on a May bank holiday weekend...

5. Favourite spring scarf/accessory?

My favourite scarf is this pink one which was a total bargain from Forever 21. I bought it in the sale after Christmas and spent a couple of months waiting for the weather to warm up so that I could wear it. The colour is a gorgeous, light, salmon pink with silver sparkle running through it. It's so soft and lightweight and a good length so that it can be worn in different ways and the colour looks great with lots of things in my wardrobe. It also matches my Ted Baker handbag and purse perfectly, all I need is a pair of shoes this colour to finish off  *wink*! 

6. What spring trends are you most looking forward to?

I don't tend to follow trends but I am looking forward to ditching my Ugg boots in favour of something more feminine. I love my Uggs and wear them literally all winter but there comes a time when I just want my feet to have a little more freedom and look a bit prettier!

7. Favourite spring candle

I have been loving this Very Berry candle from Bomb Cosmetics. It's a lovely fruity fragrance without being too sweet and the scent lingers for hours after you stop burning the candle. I like tin/jar candles in general as I can put a lid on when they're not in use as I find that dust can gather in open candles and make them smoky when burning. I recently bought some gift sets from Bomb Cosmetics for friends birthday presents as I received some for my own birthday last year and was so impressed and whilst I was there I couldn't resist trying one of their delicious candles. This was my first candle from Bomb Cosmetics and I'm looking forward to trying more, the only problem is deciding which one!

Photo from http://bombcosmetics.co.uk/very-berry-candle

8. Favourite perfume/body spray
10. What is your favourite thing about spring?

My favourite is the same all year round and that is Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy! I first bought this in 2009 on a trip to New York and haven't been without it since.

9. What is spring like where you live?

Well, right now it's still pretty wintery but spring is one of the best seasons in England, I think. We've put the clocks forward so we now have longer daylight hours, it's not getting dark until about 8pm which is so refreshing after months of darkness from about 4pm! It's lovely when the trees start blossoming and everything just looks more colourful in spring. I also love seeing lambs in the fields jumping around, they're so cute! My boyfriend and I went to feed some lambs a couple of years ago and I think we'll go back this year as it's great fun! Everyone sits in the barn on a hay bale and gets handed a bottle and then they open the gates and let the lambs loose! You just hold out your bottle and a lamb will come running up to get it.

The weather getting warmer is definitely a plus, although we're not quite there yet! Spring always makes me feel more energetic and motivated about doing things, I think if the year started in April rather than January then more new years resolutions would be kept! I also love the first time you can go out without wearing a coat and as I mentioned, the time when I can put my Uggs away until winter!

11. Are you a spring cleaner?

Haha! Um, no... I'm ashamed to say that I'm a bit of a hoarder and no matter how hard I try I can never seem to have a good clear out.

12. Any plans for spring break or upcoming vacations?

Not really, although I'm finished with lectures at uni and don't have any exams this year (yes!) I still have assignments due for a few weeks so am not really finished just yet. I am, however, going to dog sit for my Granma's dog Poppy for a few days in May while my Granma is on holiday, so that will be fun!

Beauty Blogger Tag!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

It's wavy, so I usually wear it straight but sometimes go natural and if I give it some help it can get quite curly.

2. What is your natural hair colour? 

 Medium/dark ash blonde.

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon? 

I used to get highlights through my natural colour at the salon, but it's expensive to maintain so I now dye it myself.

4. How often do you wash your hair? 

Every other day normally.

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it? 

 Mostly the same but occasionally I'll mix things up a little.

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon? 

I do it myself, the only time I've had a pedi is when I had Minx put on my toenails. I've a few manicures at the salon but don't see the point in paying for it when I can do it at home just as well. Having said that, I love the hand massage you get with a mani at the salon and it's not the same if you do it yourself!

7. How often to you change your nail polish? 

Once a week at most as I find that my nails get quite dry if I have polish on them too long/often so I have to give them a break sometimes.

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer? 

All year round! My toe nails are almost always painted, during the winter I try out some crazy colours and combinations because no one really sees them!

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup? 

About 10 minutes, I'm not a morning person so have minimal 'getting ready time'. If I don't have anywhere to be then I can drag it out and try out new things as I've got time to redo it if things go wrong!

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes? 

Face.

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it? 

I'm definitely a collector, much to my boyfriend's annoyance! 

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Hardly ever, I've only worn them twice.

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

Pretty much, but I don't wear loads of make up so a full face for me may not be what others would consider a full face.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

Yes, it may sound silly but I don't feel properly awake if I haven't done my make up, even if it's just a touch of mascara.

15. Will you leave the house without makeup? 

I will, but I don't very often.

16. How many high end products do you have? 

I love Benefit and have quite a few of their products, a YSL eyeshadow compact, Lancome nail polish and a couple of others. Most of these were gifts and the majority of my make up is from drugstore brands. 

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes? 

Not as often as I should!

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

Noooo, haha! I just wear what I feel like on the day, it depends on what I'll be doing, what the weather is like etc.

19. How often do you change your handbag? 

Not very often as I tend to hoard things in my handbag! Only when it becomes really heavy do I swap to another bag (leaving the non-essentials/junk in the other bag!). I also change with the seasons, so mostly use dark coloured bags during winter and get the lighter, more colourful ones for spring and summer.

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep? 

On a work day I'll get up around 7am and go to sleep around 10.30-11pm, on a weekend I get up around 10am and go to sleep around 11.30.

21. How often & when do you workout? 

During the summer when I don't have lectures, assignments etc. I go to the gym 4-5 mornings per week. During term-time I have less free time so I don't get to the gym as often and may just go for a walk or do a DVD at home a couple of times a week.

22. Left-handed or Right-handed? 

 Right.

23. How tall are you? 

5ft 6in.

24. Do you speak a foreign language? 

I've got a GCSE in French but I wouldn't say I can speak it. I'd love to learn Italian.

25. How many pets do you have? 

None, I'd love to but it's just not practical right now. I had a cat (Tinkerbell) but she stayed with my mum when I moved out.

26. How often are you on Blogger? 

Every day.

27. Do you read the comments posted on blogs? 

Not always, but quite often.

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts? 

Yes! I keep it on my phone so that when I'm shopping I can remind myself and keep an eye out for offers.

29. How did you come up with your blog name? 

Lilybet was a nickname I had at school and my boyfriend also calls me it.

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs? 

I have a pink Casio Exilim, but sometimes I just use my iPhone.

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)

What a random question! 

32. What is your favourite colour? 

That light aqua/duck egg colour but also pink, every shade of pink and especially coral/salmon pink.

33. What is your favourite beauty/fashion magazine? 

 I don't read magazines very often but I do subscribe to Cosmo.

34. Do you swear?

Yup...

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Ordering an indian, doing some uni work then relaxing in front of the tv.

Face Mask Friday! #3

Happy Friday! Is it just me or did Friday creep up on us this week? I almost didn't have this up in time! Anyway, I thought I'd continue the Easter fun a little longer and I'm hoping that you're not all sick of the sight of chocolate because this week we have the Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Masque! With skin healing sea salts and moisturising cocoa and shea butter, this chocolate mud mask claims to unblock pores, draw out impurities and leave skin renewed and hydrated.

This was so much fun to use as it really feels like you're smothering your face in chocolate and I think a self-heating version would be even better! The colour, smell and texture were all spot on, I was so tempted to taste it! Luckily, I had some Easter egg left to satisfy my chocolate craving!

I left the mask on for about half an hour which is longer than recommended (I was on the phone!) but, other than the mask starting to flake off, this didn't cause any problems. A word of warning here, this mask is probably best used before a shower because the only downside is the mess! I rinsed mine off over the sink which took ages and it got everywhere! It would've been much quicker and tidier to just stick my face under the shower. Anyway, once rinsed, my face was left feeling gorgeous- super clean and soft. I also noticed that my skin felt less oily the next day, which I didn't expect but was an added bonus! All in all, another great mask from MJ!